THE war memorial in Faversham is now Grade II-listed as part of a scheme marking the centenary of the First World War.

English Heritage aims to list 500 war memorials each year across the country over the next five years.

A service takes place at the memorial on the corner of Stone Street and Roman Road every year on Remembrance Sunday, while volunteers are there each week to help maintain the garden.

Local historian and Stone Street expert Peter Stevens said: “I am delighted to learn that our war memorial is to be listed. Small it may be, but it is well worth preserving and represents only a small part of the town’s memorial.

“Perhaps the Cottage Hospital should be listed with the cross? A small memorial and a small hospital for our small town, but hopefully both are with us for ever.

“The hospital, including the extension, was well used in World War Two. In the Faversham Society archives we have a book with the title War Casualties, which is a record of treatments for some 250 men and women, not all of whom were British.”

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid is backing the English Heritage scheme.

He said: “Over a million Britons lost their lives in the First World War. It’s important that their sacrifice is not forgotten – and that the lessons learnt during that time are as resonant now as they were then.

“The centenary programme aims to bring us together more closely as a nation to honour the lives and bravery of all those who served. War memorials are a valued part of our heritage and it is absolutely fitting that we cherish and preserve them for future generations.”

Roger Bowdler, designation director at English Heritage, said: “Researching, recording and recommending up to 2,500 more war memorials for listing over the next five years is a major task but one that English Heritage is proud to undertake.

“These memorials will gain a place on the National Heritage List for England to tell the story of this country’s sacrifice and struggle.”

The War Memorials Trust is working in partnership with English Heritage to encourage applications to list war memorials.

It wants people to report war memorials in poor condition so that it can help get them repaired.

For details on getting a memorial listed or repaired – or both, visit www.english-herit age.org.uk/caring/first-world-war-home-front/remembrance